Dermatological symptoms and sexual abuse: a review and case reports

ABSTRACT Dermatological symptoms in cases of sexual abuse can be very diverse. To establish a causal relationship between skin diseases and sexual abuse is particularly difficult. In dermatology, three main areas of presentation can be identified. Acute consequences Direct injuries found on the genitalia and body. Behaviour and psychological changes seen. Sexually transmitted diseases (STD) may be identified, after an appropriate incubation period. Long‐term consequences In the long term, even decades later, patients may manifest with a wide spectrum of psychosomatic manifestations of skin diseases, particularly factitious disorders. Imitations A group whose skin manifestations may mimic and be mistaken for sexual abuse. The initial suspicion of sexual abuse and the need for specific questioning and investigations can lead to a disturbance in the doctor–patient relationship.